Seltos (1st)
Engine Reliability Ratings
Gamma T-GDI
1.6L 4-cyl Turbo / 175 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
Nu MPI
2.0L 4-cyl / 147 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Known Issues
1 additional engine variant with fewer than 10 complaints not shown.
Vehicle-Level Issues
These issues affect the Kia Seltos regardless of engine variant.
Recalls (4)
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Seltos and Soul vehicles. The piston oil rings may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in engine damage.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul, Sportage, and 2023-2024 Seltos vehicles. The electronic controller for the Idle Stop & Go oil pump assembly may contain damaged electrical components that can cause the pump to overheat.
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2023 Soul and 2024 Seltos vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the side curtain air bags may deploy unexpectedly.
Kia Motors America (Kia) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Soul, and 2021 Seltos vehicles equipped with 2.0L Nu MPI engines. The piston oil rings may not have been properly heat-treated, which may result in engine damage.
Alternatives in Compact SUV
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2021-2025 Kia Seltos problems?
The 2021-2025 Kia Seltos has accumulated 458 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Engine, Electrical System, Transmission. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.
Which Kia Seltos engine is most reliable?
The 2021-2025 Kia Seltos was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2.0L 4-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.
Is the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos a good used car?
The 2021-2025 Kia Seltos can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 458 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos have?
The 2021-2025 Kia Seltos has 458 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.
What recalls affect the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos?
There are 4 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2021-2025 Kia Seltos vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.
What should I check before buying a used Kia Seltos?
Before buying a used Kia Seltos, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Engine, Electrical System, Transmission, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.
Does the Seltos have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2021-2025 Kia Seltos. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 458 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-07.